Alan Stewart’s UK and Ireland family history news

Meath Roots gathering in June 2013

The Irish Family History Foundation (IFHF) is organising a special event for those with Meath ancestors next June.

The IFHF says: “We will have:

Lectures;

Visits;

Festival;

Conference Dinner.

Seminar

“A seminar on your Meath Ancestors will take place in Trim on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th June 2013. There will be a special conference dinner on Saturday 15th with a grant of honourary citizenship of the county being presented to those with Meath roots.

“Searching for your Meath roots is an exciting and rewarding pastime, but there is nothing like walking the roads or streets your ancestor walked or visiting the church in which they were baptised, married or buried.

Programme

“The programme will be adapted to suit the participants and will be led by Noel French, director of the Meath Heritage Centre for the past 25 years and a noted local genealogist and historian. Noel was previously secretary of the Irish Family History Society, committee member of the Irish Genealogical Research Society and secretary of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society.

“The morning of Thursday 13th will focus on the history of Meath with an afternoon visit to Tara, Navan, Kells and Trim town. Evening entertainment will be by local Irish musicians and dancers.

“The morning of Friday 14th will concentrate on the heritage and culture of Ireland, Irish literature, art and myth and legend with an afternoon visit to Bru na Boinne and the legendary site of Newgrange. Evening entertainment will be by the local drama group or writers’ group.

“Saturday 15th is a free day with the opportunity to explore the town of Trim or visit the parish of your ancestor. Help and assistance will be available to facilitate these visits.

“Saturday evening will see the conference dinner and the award of honorary citizenship to those of Meath descent.

“Sunday, 16th, is another highlight with the Scurlogtown Olympiad Festival. Travel back in time to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Traditional Haymaking festival in the Heritage Town of Trim features Horse and Vintage Tractor Mowers; Animal Parade, Donkey Derby; Arts and Crafts; Wren Boys and much much more.

“If you are interested in attending the event please email Noel at noeltrim@gmail.com as soon as possible and he will get back to you with further details with regard to accommodation and costings.

Additional options

“Please also look at the events below and let us know if you are interested in any one of them. There is the potential to have various add-ons depending on numbers

“Option 1 would include a day on genealogical records followed by a second day of research locally or in Dublin.

“Option 2 would include a 7 day tour of the south of Ireland taking in some significant sites for those with an emigrant ancestor.

Day 1: Galway night – Connemara and Kylemore
Day 2: Transfer to Killarney: The Burren, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick
Day 3: Ring of Kerry
Day 4: Transfer to Waterford via Blarney Castle and Cobh Emigration Centre Queenstown
Day 5: Waterford Crystal and Dunbrody Famine Ship
Day 6: Transfer to Dublin via Glendalough followed by a coach tour of the city
Day 7: Tour of Dublin including the National Museum, National Gallery, Book of Kells and Kilmainham Gaol.”